A 100% PNG owned company, South Sea Lines, has been operating out of Lae for almost 40 years, providing regular shipping services to Lihir, as well as barge and tug charters throughout PNG.
SSL became majority Lihirian owned in 2012 and in 2016, MRL Capital assumed 100% ownership, buying out Lae Builders shares and ensuring ownership remained solely with Lihir landowners .
With its Head Office in Lae, South Sea Lines currently offers reliable fortnightly services to Lihir and in particular, the Lihir mine as well as to Lae manufacturers and distributors.
Its figurehead vessel is the Lihir Destiny, a 59m Landing Craft with a service speed of 8 knots and a nominal capacity of 60 x 20’ Teu. The vessel name captures the spirit of Lihir Island and is also the name of the book ’Lihir Destiny’ published by acclaimed author James Sinclair
A fleet of 3 tugs and barges compliments the Lihir Destiny, allowing short or long-term charter options for project clients
A 5,000 m2 hard stand yard and sizeable warehousing area ensures that customers cargo is handled efficiently and safely.
Operating one Landing Craft and 3 Tug & Dumb Barges, South Sea Lines has the capacity to handle regular Liner services as well as charter and project cargoes throughout Papua New Guinea
Our signature vessel is the aptly named 'Lihir Destiny', launched in 2012.
Our 3 x Tug & Dumb Barges allow the flexibility to add additional tonnage onto the Lihir route if needed, while also allowing carriage of bulk and project cargoes for various clients such as HBS, Cameron Construction, LBC, NKW, QED and many others.
We operate a dedicated Lae - Lihir - Lae / container & breakbulk service on a 14 day frequency.
The purpose built Lihir Destiny has plied the route since 2012 and the vessel has completed over 250 voyages
No item is too big or too difficult to handle for our vessels and our 150t cranes.
Our foreman are highly skilled in handling of over dimensional cargo and all rigging and lifting gear is annually certified by All-Rig Services, Australia
Our landing craft and dumb barges are capable of moving any cargoes anywhere within PNG waters.
Gravel, Cement, Machinery, Timber, we have carried them all and can carry those and many other types of cargo.
South Sea Lines employs upwards of 90 staff at any one time, including just two non residents.
Shipboard staff numbers 50, while 40 staff are involved in operations, accounts, HR and marine services. South Sea Lines is an industry recognised equal opportunity employer, while significant resources are invested in training of seafarers throughout PNG.
South Sea Lines is a major supporter of the PNG Maritime College in Madang and groups of seafarers regularly attend the college in Madang to ensure their certifications are in line with Statutory requirements.
Operations Manager
kumed waen
In charge of all operational aspects of the company, Kumed (a former Ships Captain) has a wealth of industry experience and commenced at SSL in 2014.
Reporting directly to the General Manager, Kumed ensures a timely interface between vessel ops, client requirements and marine services.
General Manager
Graeme Hawkins
Graeme is a long-term resident of PNG and has a wealth of experience in ship management, logistics and shipping roles.
Graeme has overseen the significant growth of the company from 2012 until now and under his leadership SSL has grown significantly and is now a leading service provider to Lihir Island and Newmont Gold.
Designated PERSON ASHORE (DPA)
Cptn Andy PROUD
A naturalised PNG Citizen, Cptn Andy Proud is responsible for the day to day running of the fleet and all aspects of marine safety and compliance.
Environmental protection and vessel maintenance are other key areas under the DPA’s control.
FINANCIA CONTROLLER
TONY GREEN
Tony is an experienced industry professional and long-term Papua New Guinea resident.
He has a great deal of experience of PNG landowner operations and leads the finance / accounts and admin teams.
dOCUMENTATION / BOOKINGS & CONTAINER CONTROL TEAM
l-R - Laine, lYNN, nEVILLE
The Bookings and Docs team is ably led by Lynn Koi, with Laine Tomidi and Neville Selwyn handling bookings / container control and processing of docs.
R & D / OPS TEAM
The R & D and Operations teams are the vital hands on interface with all cargo.
R & D receives cargo and stacks according to vessel requirements.
The Operations team loads the SSL vessels in the most efficient and safe manner.
Our regular Lae - Lihir service (every 14 days) is being undertaken using our Tug & Barges at present, while the Lihir Destiny is undergoing scheduled dry docking.
Contact our Bookings Offices (Laine or Lynn) for information on the next available sailing.


LIHIR DESTINY DRY DOCKING
The Lihir Destiny successfully concluded her scheduled Dry Docking at Curtain Brothers dockyard at Motukea recently
During the Dry Docking, hull sandblasting and repainting occurred, as well as general repairs. 2 new Gensets were also installed. Mandatory surveys were undertaken on safety & firefighting gear, the rescue boat and radio equipment

CANCER AWARENESS
South Sea Lines continued with its commitment to improve the livelihood of staff, by hosting Cancer & General Health Awareness seminars during the year.
In April 2025, Joy Olali, from he PNG Cancer Relief Society, gave an enlightening talk and presentation on the main types of cancers, their symptoms and in particular the health hazards of smoking and chewing buai.
She emphasised self checking and early testing if unsure.
Southern Cross Assurance (who provide medical coverage to South Sea Lines staff) gave a presentation to SSL operations staff in early November. They highlighted the benefits of the scheme for employees and their dependents.
WHARF REHABILITATION
Trans Pacific Piling advise that works to rehabilitate the South Sea Lines Wharf should be completed by early January 2026.
Currently just 39 metres of steel reinforcement is left to install, followed by the concrete pour for the remaining slab. Design changes, weather and other unforeseen delays have seen the rehabilitation stretch out further than planned. Having at least half the wharf out of action at any one time has created challenges for the operations team.
The usefulness of the new wharf face is evident already. The new bow ramp area allows operations for roro machinery to continue though high and low tides, whereas previously this would disrupt operations.
Two vessels are now able to work at the berth at the same time, greatly increasing ability to handle charter and project vessels and cargo.
